Mayflower Hill Approach

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Avalanche danger on any of the ski lines to the north into the Crystal/Pacific Cirque is usually heightened after deep snowfall, as large cornices have a tendency to build here. Ski lines to the south into the Mayflower Cirque have been historically safer, even on deeper days.

Begin at the Mayflower Gulch trailhead. Continue down the well-defined road/trail, heading eastward into the Mayflower Cirque. As soon as a skin track appears to the north, take it. This skin track usually begins near a USFS sign indicating "No Use of Motor Vehicles," follow the skin track as it meanders through the trees, zig-zagging up the western hump of Mayflower Hill.

The skin track will then dump you at the top of the ridgeline leading to the summit of Mayflower Hill, and eventually, the summit of Atlantic Peak.

Access any of the ski lines to the south leading into Mayflower Cirque, or to the north leading into the Crystal/Pacific Cirque.